Graduate Student Parents
Graduate student parents are a vital part of our University of Michigan community. Each parent brings with them a unique family situation, which makes for a more rich and diverse campus.
Many University of Michigan graduate school parents proudly share their strengths:
- Multitasking
- Prioritizing
- Negotiating
- Networking
- Asserting their needs
Graduate student parents also openly share some of their challenges:
- Feelings of loneliness or isolation as they care for children
- Feelings of being overwhelmed with multiple priorities
- Depression, some by post-partum depression
- Frustration or disappointment by the lack of support/resources
- Anxiety over academic performance or missed opportunities
Fortunately for the graduate student parent here at Michigan, the University has put into place many resources to support parents- both academically and socially.
Leading the charge is the Rackham Graduate School. Throughout the year, Rackham's staff runs:
- support groups
- parent-and-child events
- workshops for parents
Rackham also ensures that graduate student parents know how to stay connected to the unique services they need with the following websites:
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is also available throughout the year to offer free, confidential counseling to graduate students, including graduate student couples or co-parents.
During the Fall and Winter Semesters, CAPS also offers graduate student support groups and drop-in workshops.
The University's Students with Children website, hosted by the University’s Work Life Resource Center, includes information for all University of Michigan student parents and caregivers. Resources on the site range from area counseling centers, child-care providers, community health clinics and insurance options.
For great advice from fellow graduate student parents, watch this video from Rackham Graduate School's student-to-student video series.
